L to R Gadsden County Commissioner Doug Croley, Gadsden County Commission Chairwoman Sherry Taylor, and Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, David Gardner on the front steps of the Capitol

National Solar Power announced on Monday, Sept. 26, the company will build the Southeast’s largest solar farm in Gadsden County. The project is expected to generate hundreds of new jobs and create a $1.5 billion economic investment in the region.

“Gadsden County was chosen for this significant project for many reasons, including its great year-round climate, strong community leadership, incredibly inviting regional support and the strong potential for future economic growth,” said James Scrivener, CEO of National Solar Power.

In the end, Gadsden County won the nod for the large 400 MW farm because of the overall positives it demonstrated. Scrivener praised Chamber of Commerce Executive Director David Gardner for his “tireless, dedicated work” in promoting the county and Dr. Jim Murdaugh, president of Tallahassee Community College, for leadership that tipped the decision to Gadsden. TCC will create a solar energy educational and training center on the Gadsden campus that will feature a 2 MW utility scale solar farm.

During the announcement on the Capitol steps Gadsden’s Chamber of Commerce Executive Director David Gardner, who was visibly relieved to have landed the National Solar project, gave special acknowledgement to Gadsden County Commission Chairwoman Sherrie Taylor for her outstanding work on behalf of the project. He also thanked all the County Commissioners for their support and he thanked his wife, Noreen, for her fortitude and understanding during the tension-filled wait.